Liquid demixing in elastic networks: Cavitation, permeation, or size selection?

In cells, phase-separated liquid condensates interact mechanically with surrounding elastic networks such as chromatin and cytoskeleton. By considering the trade-offs between elastic, wetting, and interfacial energies, we theoretically show that three droplet phases can be thermodynamically stable: macroscopic droplets that either cavitate or permeate the network, and mesh-size-limited microdroplets. We show that network strain stiffening further enhances this latter size-limitation effect. Our theory predicts the possibility of yet-unobserved droplet phases in the cytoplasm and nucleoplasm. editor's choice Copyright (C) 2022 EPLA

Automated summary

In this study, the researchers investigate the mechanical interactions between phase-separated liquid condensates and surrounding elastic networks in cells. Through theoretical analysis, they propose the existence of three thermodynamically stable droplet phases, including macroscopic droplets that either cavitate or permeate the network, and mesh-size-limited microdroplets. The study also suggests the possibility of yet-unobserved droplet phases in the cytoplasm and nucleoplasm.